Mike McCarthy was on the hot seat a year ago in his first season with the Dallas Cowboys.
But he was without Dak Prescott for most of the year, so it was tough to judge his debut season fairly.
The narrative has changed in 2021 as the Cowboys are 8-4 and considered to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the NFC.
Yet the first order of business is locking up an NFC East division that got surprisingly competitive as of late.
The Washington Football Team sit at 6-6 with two games remaining against Dallas this year.
So realistically, Washington controls its own destiny if they can take down the Cowboys twice.
But McCarthy does not seem to be worried ahead of this Sunday’s meeting between the division rivals.
In fact, he has already made a guarantee.
"We're going to win this game. I'm confident in that." — Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy ahead of Week 14 matchup on the road vs Washington
via @jonmachota pic.twitter.com/32qwwbFOcA
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 9, 2021
McCarthy has committed the ultimate superstitious crime of guaranteeing a victory.
Confidence Is A Good Thing
The Cowboys are favorites in the game and should in fact win.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy: “We’re going to win this game. I’m confident in that.” Believe that could be bulletin board material for Washington? McCarthy: “What am I supposed to say? I fully expect to win every game I’ve ever competed in.” pic.twitter.com/8cWule8EpO
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 9, 2021
McCarthy expressing confidence in his team like this is not a bad thing, because they should be upset if they lose.
It’s not like he has put them in some sort of impossible situation with this victory guarantee.
Every single person in the Dallas locker room should be expecting a victory Sunday.
But fans know professional athletes are great at finding any and all motivation.
Ron Rivera will surely pick up on this quote from McCarthy and let his players know the Cowboys are already packing it in expecting a victory.
Washington has also won four straight games, so they are no pushover.
If McCarthy’s guarantee comes to fruition, the Cowboys will essentially lock up the division.
But if Washington wins, chaos could reign in the NFC East.
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